The Literal Meaning of Admonish
The word ‘admonish’ in its simplest English definition means to warn or reprimand someone firmly. More than just criticism, it signals a call for correction,—with the intent of encouraging better behaviors. Admonishment often comes from a place of sincere concern, calling for a change of actions or attitudes for the better.
Admonishment in the Biblical Context
Admonishment in the Bible carries not just a warning, but also a deep underlying spiritual call towards righteousness. Well-documented in both the Old and the New Testaments, admonishment is a key instrument of correction and spiritual growth.
Consider Paul’s letter to the Colossian church: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16). Here, admonishment functions as a spiritual tool to cultivate a profound wisdom and understanding within the Christian community.
The Consequences of Ignoring Admonishment
In the biblical sense, ignoring admonishments implies rejecting a spiritual pathway leading to growth and maturity. Proverbs 12:1 says, “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” This suggests that disregarding admonishment denies us valuable guidance and wisdom, potentially causing spiritual stagnation or decline.
Admonishment: A Call to Growth, not Guilt
It’s important to differentiate between the intention behind admonishment and guilt-induced actions. Admonishment aspires to bring about a positive change in a person’s heart and mind – pushing them closer to God, not to induce guilt or shame. The key is understanding that God’s discipline signals His love for us (Hebrews 12:6).
Relevance of Biblical Admonishment Today
In the contemporary Christian walk, admonishment holds undeniable relevance. It inspires self-evaluation and understanding of how well our actions align with what the Bible teaches. It asserts that accountability in a community of faith is crucial for spiritual growth (Hebrews 10:24-25). Thus, admonishment remains an integral tool for the modern believer’s spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Understanding admonishment’s true meaning in the Bible offers insights into turning our steps towards spiritual growth – through wisdom, accountability, and renewed alignment with God’s teachings. When accepted and understood correctly, admonishment is not just a tool of correction, but a bridge towards spiritual maturity and a deeper relationship with God.
